Flooring to beat Malaysia’s heat

Floors are not constructed to be unbreakable but resilient. Regardless of spills, scratches or even unexpected floods, a good floor should be able to hold its ground.

Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and stone plastic composite flooring (SPC) are prime examples of resilient flooring.

Malaysian homeowners often opt for these types of flooring due to their perfect balance of durability, style and investment returns.

Active children and pets, heavy furniture and even clumsy tendencies force homeowners to search beyond basic flooring.

Fortunately, resilient flooring has come a long way, with high-end finish alternatives without hefty price tags and low maintenance costs.

Weather concerns

Malaysia’s weather is a force to be reckoned with as well, making selecting flooring a critical decision.

The country’s tropical climate comes with high humidity and heavy rainfall.

Additionally, the issue of floods remains as prominent as ever despite several national flood mitigation plans, which leaves many homeowners taking the decisive step to secure their properties themselves.

There are a few types of flooring that are susceptible to humidity. These include certain timber-based materials which are more susceptible to moisture damage than other options.

On an interesting note, some local Malaysian hardwoods like merbau and chengal have their own naturally built defences against the country’s weather.

Laminated flooring is discouraged as well, as it can warp, swell and even rot, resulting in costly repairs and replacements.

That is why it is recommended that households install resilient flooring instead that are specifically engineered to resist water penetration, scratches and daily foot traffic.

For families with children and pets, there could be fewer dents, scratches and stains from the heavier foot traffic.

Types of resilient flooring

Reports show that resilient flooring can last a good 10 to 50 years on average, with its exact lifespan depending heavily on the type and quality of the material, traffic level as well as maintenance.

Vinyl sheets, planks or tiles generally last between 10 and 25 years. Within this category, LVT or luxury vinyl planks, especially those featuring a thick wear layer and rigid core, such as SPC flooring, tend to have a longer lifespan.

With proper care, they can often last up to 25 years or more.

Standard vinyl sheets or vinyl tiles typically have a shorter lifespan, lasting around 10 to 15 years. Linoleum flooring, which is a natural and highly durable product, can last up to 40 years if well-maintained.

Cork flooring can also be durable, lasting 20 to 30 years, provided it is properly installed and protected from excessive moisture with the right sealants.

Lastly, rubber flooring is known for its extreme durability, often used in commercial settings and can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years.

These are some of the most commonly used resilient floorings in Malaysia.

Durable yet luxurious

Not only is such flooring durable but it also has a muffle effect. It is quiet and more comfortable underfoot compared to tiles or stones.

That is because it is slightly cushioned underneath, reducing noise from footsteps and making it suitable for high-rise complexes with noisy neighbours.

When it comes to looks, resilient flooring has really stepped up its game.

What used to be a practical choice has now turned into a real style statement for homes.

Modern LVT and SPC tiles can convincingly mimic the beauty of natural materials like wood, marble or stone. With textured finishes and detailed patterns, homeowners get to enjoy the upscale look of hardwood or granite without burning a hole through their wallets.

In Malaysia, the cost difference is hard to ignore. Solid hardwood can run anywhere from RM150 to RM300 per sq ft (psf) while quality resilient flooring typically ranges from RM40 to RM120 psf.

For an average 1,000 sq ft home, going with resilient flooring could save tens of thousands of ringgit, leaving enough to even upgrade the home.

Additionally, resilient flooring comes in a huge variety of colours, finishes and plank sizes, giving the freedom to mix and match styles. Whether the homeowner is into the minimalist aesthetic or an all-black gothic look, there is a resilient option out there that will fit perfectly with the home’s vision.

Cleaning concerns

Resilient flooring is known for its ease of maintenance. All that is needed is a mop and a mild detergent. Compared to traditional hardwood floors, it does not need periodic polishing or sealing.

General cleaning is enough since spills can be wiped clean and that is a big plus point in the eyes of pet owners and parents who simply do not have time to worry about stains.

In terms of fixes, resilient floors are easy to repair.

Minor damages like scratches or dents can be switched out by swapping out individual tiles instead of redoing the entire room. This saves costs over time and is less disruptive to everyday life.

This also seals the deal for property investors. There is value retention when all that needs to be done is to swap out the affected tiles. In fast-paced cities where investments and rentals thrive, a property with this kind of flooring has an edge over the rest.

An added advantage is that many resilient flooring products are now eco-friendly as well. Manufacturers are producing options that use recycled materials, low-volatile organic compounds adhesives and sustainable manufacturing processes.

For environmentally conscious homeowners, these are great choices that allow for a balance between modern living and sustainability.

For homeowners, resilient flooring is more than just a trend. It is both practical and stylish while also being a financially savvy choice.

Designed to withstand daily wear, tear and the demanding reality of pets and children, a better quality flooring is an investment that delivers lasting value and enduring luxury for years to come.